Evaluation of Groundwater Quality for Irrigation Purposes Using Water Quality Indices and GIS Technique: a Case Study of Seriana Plain Northeastern Algeria

Abstract

Groundwater stands as the primary water source in the Seriana plain, situated in the northeastern region of Algeria. This study, conducted in 2019, involved the establishment of twelve groundwater monitoring during both wet and dry seasons. The collected samples underwent analysis to assess groundwater suitability for irrigation based on thirteen key quality parameters, including calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), bicarbonate ( $${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$ ), nitrate ( $${\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - }$$ ), chloride (Cl−), sulfate ( $${\text{SO}}_{4}^{{2 - }}$$ ), hydrogen ion concentration (pH), and electrical conductivity (EC).To evaluate groundwater, the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IRWQI) was employed, incorporating various indices such as sodium percentage (Na%), Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Bicarbonate (RSBC), permeability index (PI), Kelly ratio (KR), magnesium hazard (MH), potential salinity (PS), and other ratios calculated using standard formulas. In a Geographical Information System (GIS) environment, Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation was utilized to create spatial distribution maps for the calculated irrigation water quality indices and the IRWQI. These spatial distribution maps of the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IRWQI) offer a comprehensive perspective. The analysis findings emphasize the detrimental influence of anthropogenic activities on the groundwater in this region. It underscores the urgent necessity for an effective management strategy to prevent further contamination and pollution. Additionally, it is imperative to treat the groundwater before utilizing it for irrigation purposes.